Click here to return to OCC homepage

OCC YT

See Homepage. This page: An original sepia photograph of a French car of the 1920s.
Original transport photographs
Old Classic Car Image Archive index >

Mid-1920s Bignan tourer.

The gent in this photograph, provided by Jon via the OCC Facebook page, is of his great uncle; the car that he's stood next to has also been identified. The car in question is a circa 1925 Bignan, possibly the 11CV 2-litre model, built by Etablissements Industriels J. Bignan in Paris, France (my thanks to John W for confirming the maker).
(Please click the thumbnail to view the full-size image.)
Photo of a 1920s Bignan
Cars began to roll out of the company's factory in 1918. The 11CV tourers were equipped with 2-litre SOHC engines producing 50bhp, coupled to a four-speed gearbox, and kept in check by servo-assisted brakes - to the front axle only. Tourers and saloons were produced for road use, but a number of competition versions were also assembled with streamlined four-seat bodies, their engines uprated to 70bhp. A number of smaller-engined cars were also produced, sharing many of their components with contemporary cars from other manufacturers, including Ballot and Salmson.
Despite some success in competition and in road-car sales, production would come to an end in 1930, the final cars being the 2-litre models, and also two straight-eights which used engines from S.C.A.P.
The tourer shown above is a RHD example, its distinctive radiator surround and badge can be made out. The roof's down and the side screens are in place. The gent's attire though points to it being a particularly chilly day, note his magnificent pair of gloves.
Thanks for the photo Jon.
Return to Page 19 in the photographic archive, or visit the main index here.

Custom Search
Old Classic Car (C) R. Jones 2023. Content not to be reproduced elsewhere.
Website by ableweb.
Privacy Policy, Cookies & Disclaimers